GPR Deflection Basin Prediction for Faster Road Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for determining deflection basin parameters using a Falling Weight Deflectometer are complex and time-consuming, leading to low efficiency in obtaining these parameters.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing ground-penetrating radar to obtain real-time deflection basin evaluation indexes, which are then input into a trained deflection basin parameter prediction model to predict the deflection basin parameters, leveraging historical data from Falling Weight Deflectometer measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If Falling Weight Deflectometer is used to determine deflection basin parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but detection time increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeflection basin parameter measurement precisionVSAvoiddetection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses ground-penetrating radar to obtain evaluation index data that copies or mirrors the information that would be obtained through FWD testing. The radar data serves as a substitute measurement that can be processed through a prediction model to estimate deflection basin parameters without physically applying loads to the pavement, thus achieving both speed and acceptable accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical FWD testing system with a ground-penetrating radar system. Instead of using mechanical impact testing to directly measure deflection, the system uses electromagnetic radar waves to detect pavement conditions and indirectly determines deflection basin parameters through a prediction model, eliminating the need for physical load application and improving detection speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If FWD testing is performed, then deflection basin parameters can be determined, but road traffic disruption increases and detection time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeflection basin parameter determination accuracyVSAvoiddetection time and traffic disruption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by using ground-penetrating radar to collect evaluation index data before actual deflection testing would be needed. The radar can quickly scan pavement conditions without disrupting traffic, and the collected data is then processed through a prediction model to determine deflection basin parameters, eliminating the need for time-consuming FWD testing during road closure periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical FWD testing process with a non-contact ground-penetrating radar system that can operate while roads remain open to traffic. This replacement eliminates the need to close roads for testing, significantly reducing time loss and maintaining road usability during detection operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If ground-penetrating radar is used to obtain evaluation indexes, then detection efficiency is improved, but measurement precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoiddeflection basin parameter accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a prediction model as an intermediary between the ground-penetrating radar evaluation indexes and the final deflection basin parameters. The prediction model processes the radar-derived evaluation indexes (crack cross-sectional area, settlement rate, looseness rate, void rate) and transforms them into accurate deflection basin parameter estimates, ensuring that the efficiency benefits of radar are maintained while achieving the precision traditionally only obtainable through direct FWD measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach simplifies the detection process, improves efficiency, and allows for rapid determination of deflection basin parameters without disrupting road traffic.

Implementation Method 1

obtaining real-time values of deflection basin evaluation indexes at any point in a test road section using ground-penetrating radar

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGround-penetrating radar: Radar

Data Source

PatentUS20260022988A1Method and apparatus for determining deflection basin parameters, road inspection device, medium and product
Publication Date: 2026.01.22 WUHAN UNIV OF TECH
  • US20260022988A1 patent drawing
  • US20260022988A1 patent drawing
  • US20260022988A1 patent drawing

AI summary

This invention provides a method and apparatus for determining deflection basin parameters, road inspection device, medium and product. The method comprises: obtaining real-time values of deflection basin evaluation indexes at any point in a test road section using ground-penetrating radar; inputting the real-time values of the deflection basin evaluation indexes into a deflection basin parameter prediction model to obtain predicted deflection basin parameter values; wherein, the deflection basin parameters prediction model is trained based on at least one deflection basin parameter value and deflection basin evaluation index values corresponding to reference points in a reference road section; the at least one deflection basin parameter value is determined by FWD, and the deflection basin evaluation index values are determined by the GPR. This invention enables the prediction of deflection basin parameters solely by acquiring real-time deflection basin evaluation indicator values through GPR, improving the efficiency of determining deflection basin parameters.